RIP LEGEND: “Kentucky Basketball Legend Kenny ‘Sky’ Walker Passes Away at 60 After Battling Cancer in…
Kenny “Sky” Walker, the celebrated Kentucky Wildcats basketball icon renowned for his high-flying dunks and illustrious career, has passed away at the age of 60 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 18, 1964, in Roberta, Georgia, Walker’s basketball journey began at Crawford County High School, where he earned the title of Mr. Basketball in Georgia in 1982. He subsequently committed to the University of Kentucky, leaving an indelible mark on the program.
During his tenure with the Wildcats from 1982 to 1986, Walker was a two-time consensus All-American and secured the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year honors twice. He remains the second-leading scorer in Kentucky’s history, amassing 2,080 points, and holds the record for the most free throws made in a career (550) and in a single season (218). His contributions were pivotal in leading the Wildcats to three SEC regular-season titles, two SEC Tournament championships, and a Final Four appearance in 1983.
Selected fifth overall by the New York Knicks in the 1986 NBA Draft, Walker’s professional career was highlighted by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1989, just days after the passing of his father. He also played for the Washington Bullets and had stints overseas in Spain and Japan before retiring.
Beyond the court, Walker was dedicated to community engagement, particularly in promoting childhood literacy. He co-hosted “Cat Talk,” a syndicated radio show, from 2000 to 2021, and was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
Walker is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans who admired his talent, resilience, and contributions to the sport. His legacy as a basketball legend and community advocate will be remembered and cherished by many.
